By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 23: There’s a saying that to become extraordinary, you must do extraordinary things, and this perfectly describes Sarawak star swimmer Kelly Teo Yao as her success is no accident.
The 18-year-old golden girl has proven that hard work and dedication are the keys to her remarkable achievements, earning six gold medals, one silver, and two bronzes at the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024.
Her haul of gold medals is the result of her unwavering commitment to her training; waking up at the crack of dawn, going the extra mile, and pushing herself when others might hold back.
Sarawak swimming team head coach Raymond Chang lauded Teo’s work ethic, emphasising that her willingness to go beyond the norm sets her apart from the rest.
“Every time we gather at the pool, she’s the first one ready to dive in and the one pushing herself the hardest.
“If she’s asked to swim eight (laps), she’ll do 10. If the goal is 10, she’ll push for 12. She constantly challenges herself, often outpacing the boys in the pool. This tenacity makes her incredibly fast and tough,” he told reporters when met at Pandelala Rinong Aquatic Centre after the prize presentation ceremony today.
Expressing confidence in Teo’s potential, given her attitude and dedication, Chang believes she can go very far with the right guidance from national coaches.
“I wish her all the best in her future endeavours,” he added.
Despite his modesty, Chang acknowledged that Teo’s achievements stem from her own determination.
“There’s no special training for Kelly; I’m just a regular coach. If I were a stronger coach, perhaps more swimmers under my wing would achieve what she has. But it’s her willingness to push hard that has brought her the success she deserves today.”
For aspiring swimmers and anyone with big dreams, Chang emphasised the importance of going beyond the ordinary.
“You can’t settle for being regular. Regular makes us normal. If you want to be special and outstanding, you need to push the extra mile.”
Teo has previously represented Malaysia at the SEA Games, where she did not secure a medal. However, with her current trajectory, Chang is hopeful that her breakthrough on the international stage is just around the corner.
Poised to become one of Sarawak’s most celebrated female athletes, Teo is expected to receive over RM90,000 in incentives for her remarkable achievements.
Teo’s six gold medals were earned in the women’s 200-metre freestyle, 400-metre individual medley, 200-metre backstroke, 800-metre freestyle, 400-metre freestyle and women’s 1500-metre freestyle.
She also won a silver in the 4×200 metre freestyle alongside Chereen Ngo Yi Rui, Magdeline Lau Ing Siew, Shanise Jauwa Joseline Adong; and two bronze medals in 4×100 metre medley relay with Jeff Chua, Hii Puong Wei and Magdeline Lau and women’s 100-metre backstroke. — DayakDaily
